I pose a question: Can the relationships people form online be just as genuine and meaningful as those in real life?
First off, I must clarify, what we do online IS REAL LIFE. It's not a machine typing those comments or liking facebook statuses. It's a person utilizing technology as a means of communication. Do people change the way they communicate online in respect to how they would otherwise in "real life," or "IRL"? Why, yes, they do. But it's the same if they were writing things down with a pen and paper, or speaking over a phone, rather than being face to face. The communicator adapts to the medium in which they are using to communicate.
Continuing, I've established my opinion that what occurs online is indeed REAL. So continuing with the rest of the question, let's look at "Can relationships form?" I say, if two people can communicate with one another and establish a common interest or connection, a relationship can be made should the opportunity for sustainable communication be available. How are any relationships formed? People find a common interest, a bonding point if you will. Once this commonality is established, they strive to find others and continue delving into the process of learning about one another until a level of sufficient knowledge is achieved or interest wanes. This is the cycle of any "getting-to-know-you" happenings. And as I've said, this can happen both face-to-face OR online! As long as there is a means of communication, relationships can form.
So, we've got an established form of communication (verbal or audio means online) and the ability through commonalities to form relationships. So, can two people who have never met face-to-face "IRL" actually form a "genuine" and "meaningful" relationship? I believe if the people are honest and supportive of one another, then yes. What makes a relationship or connection genuine or meaningful? In my opinion, it's when both parties are willing to be open with one another, share, and connect on a personal level. This can easily happen online, and in some ways, I believe it might even be easier. People many times have difficulties sharing with one another face-to-face. For example, by allowing someone the time to type and think through their emotions and words, they are able to more effectively communicate. And, by not having the pressure of someone looking right at you while you do it, the ease of communicating is such that you feel more free to share your thoughts openly.
Could it be then that the relationships that form through online communication could be even more open and honest that those "IRL"? I believe this is a strong possibility. Now, would I go to say that these relationships are better? No, just different. Do I prefer one? Actually, I believe a hybrid is honestly my preference. I like being able to both communicate and interact with my friends both face-to-face and online. I believe it gives me more opportunities to interact with more people, and again, gives me the benefits of both personal "IRL" communication and the openness of online interaction.
These are my thoughts... What are YOURS?
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I agree that it is possible to develop a meaningful and genuine friendship online. However, with romantic relationships, there is a long term, real life chemistry that is either there or it is not. The only way to know whether the relationship really works is to be in close proximity day after day, week after week, month after month and preferably year after year. Online relationships are easy to start and may progress to a deeper level quicker but then they reach a standstill unless they become "IRL". Unless two people experience the ups and downs of daily life together they don't really know each other. Online initiated relationships are likely to give false hopes to one or both parties. They may give the illusion of greater intimacy and/or commitment than actually exists.
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